*For Part 2 of this series, click here.
*For Part 3 of this series, click here.
When reading C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity, it's easy to connect the theological ideas with arguments for and against Christianity or religion and faith in general, but the mob mentality is also easy to disconnect. It is the individual mindset that needs rewiring in society; a person cannot depend on a culture, city, or government to do the right thing when a person won't stand up to do the right thing on the smaller scale.
Individualism runs the show alongside technology, and both have aided the selfish tendency for instant gratification and survivalist actions. Turning the other cheek is a sign of weakness, waiting for good things is a sign of laziness or poverty, and helping those in need is a sign of ignorance because "why can't they just help themselves like everyone else?" This world was not built by one person, but it's being destroying by collections of narrow-minded individuals who have no concern for the wellbeing of those around them.
Doctrines
Doctrines are the combined Godly experiences from multiple people, which is why they're helpful to better understand God as a whole as opposed to knowing Him from one individual experience (153-5). Instructor A teaches algebra, but if Student A doesn't understand, it's not necessarily the fault of the instructor, especially if Instructor B teaches the student and she then understands. Different methods of teaching are required to ensure all students comprehend the lessons because no two students are alike.
The same is true of Christianity. Most individuals identify with Jesus Christ because He lived as man; others identify with God the Father because of His paternal discipline and love. Others still connect best with the Holy Spirit because it's not as tangible and therefore opens up more of their spiritual and emotional states.
The doctrine of the Holy Trinity is not easy to understand. How can One Being exist within three forms? Lewis explains this using geometry: drawing a line gives it life, but adding three more lines creates a box. The lines do not cease to exist; they are simply a part of the new creation. Likewise, when multiple boxes are drawn they create a cube. The squares within it to do not cease to exist, but now the cube exists alongside the squares and the lines (162).
All three of the Beings comprised of the Holy Trinity existed at the same time, but in human history, people did not see all dimensions at once like they can now. For centuries, only the line of God was known. When Jesus Christ was born, the square was created, and so on. Perspective allows individuals to see and understand just as much as it prevents understanding when it is narrow.
Reading the Bible is key to following God's Moral Law, but sometimes, added explanation is needed and doctrines provide this explanation. For those who are less inclined to theological terms, laymen like Lewis provide an even further explanation. Just as a tutor aids an instructor, so doctrine aids the law of God. If individuals take the time to understand what is asked of them, to spread kindness, peace, and mercy to all people along with news the One who gave them these qualities, then the world could see a much needed change.
Unfortunately for many, the individual properties of humans includes free will, which often leads to the hate and suffering that plagues the globe.
Biological and Individual
A common quote from scripture is "lose life to gain it" (Matthew 10:39, 16:25; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24; John 12:25). However, the worldly, or as Lewis calls it the biological, side of humanity recognizes this truth as only its death rather than the true birth of the spirit (178-9). Because the worldly side of individuals fights against it, Christians may argue that they believe in God and attend church, but are not really spiritual, and the whole point of Christianity is to be close to Jesus Christ and His spirit.
What is it about the worldly life that draws people into it? Each person is aware of its temporary state. Atheists may argue that because there is no life after death, it is up to each person to live in the way they want to. However, atheists also follow a moral law that involves not murdering or stealing. They do not use their separation of religion to justify inhumane actions. What, then, is the cause for choosing to spread hate, terror, and suffering?
The bottom line is selfishness. Few individuals wake up in the morning and think, how can I ruin someone's day irrevocably? Rather, they may wake up and think, I'm going to make today better than yesterday and focus on myself. This idea doesn't seem wrong on paper, but if focusing on self involves turning away from family, friends, or responsibility, is it not still the wrong thing to do?
The need for survival is more than eating enough and having shelter; in today's society, survival is used in the workplace to get above theex[l competition or within family to establish control or power. Unfortunately for those who's sole focus is themselves, all individuals are connected. Each person is born with morality and an understanding of it, but often it is during the adolescent or early adult years when a person can overlook what is right and decent and purposefully go against it to harm or degrade others. Christians call this sin; humans in general call this person a jerk.
This world will not succeed if individualism continues to reign supreme. The idea of 'Me' should be addressed and redefined. Taking a personal health day is different from having complete disregard for how someone's actions affect those around them. Lewis also argues against becoming a Totalitarian where everyone should be, treated, and viewed as the same, but being an Individualist where a person forgets that each person is connected within the human race plagues society the most in current times (186).
Overall, Mere Christianity explores the Moral Law and how it correlates to human decency using both theology and psychology. By focusing on the self, today's society is experiencing a shift in human decency in the wrong direction. It is possible for the choices made by individuals, groups, and nations to change to better protect and aid those suffering, but is mercy worth the loss of self? The current choices of the majority say no.
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